Hi. Sometimes my 8-month-old daughter digs at her ears with her fingernails when she is overtired or very crabby. Occassionally she will scratch at her head and tug on her hair too. I keep her nails as short as possible. Most of the time she sucks her thumb for comfort so I do not want to put no scratch mitts on her (I doubt she'd keep them on anyway).
Has anyone had experience with this before? Will she outgrow it? I just feel so bad when I see the little scabs in her ears. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

By Kittycat_26 on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 - 11:05 am:

Timmy does this. I never really thought about it. It was always just his sign to me that he was tired.

Someone here once said to not sweat the small things and I took it to heart. He/she won't be 30 and still doing this.

You've done what you can. Her nails are clipped short and I'm sure you've made sure her ears are cleaned.

By Trisa on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 - 03:59 pm:

My dd used to pull at her one ear when she was
tired. She is 2 now and doesn't do it anymore so im sure your's will just outgrow it.

By Kaye on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 - 06:11 pm:

My 8 year would roll his ears when he was tired. I think it messed up the cartilage development, because now they have the consistency of playdoh. He still does it when he is worry about something, so he may be doing it when he is 30..LOL. Good advice above. Also if it bothers you just try to redirect her to a blanket or something.

By Mommyathome on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 - 09:06 pm:

My oldest DD use to lay in her crib and rub/lightly scratch at the top of her head until she went to sleep.
I never thought of it as a problem though. I thought it was cute. Once she was up and walking around she had stopped the habit.

By Brandy on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 - 10:28 pm:

One of my nieces will pick her nose when she is tired lol i think it's funny

By Brandy on Wednesday, November 12, 2003 - 10:29 pm:

I was trying to do a smiley face lol = )

By Mommymindy on Thursday, November 13, 2003 - 12:34 pm:

Hey, how come no one replied to my post about what my daughter does to comfort herself to sleep??????

By Sunny on Thursday, November 13, 2003 - 01:45 pm:

It probably got overlooked, Mindy. Sometimes that happens and you have to "bump" it to the top.

By Mommymindy on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 11:30 am:

I was just teasing! And thanx for the info, Sunny! I have heard other people talk about it before, but sometimes we don't pay attention until our child or one we know is doing it! LOL

By Chloe on Monday, November 17, 2003 - 11:15 pm:

My 11mo old still tugs at his hair when he's nursing and he does something else a little strange too. I got in the habit of nursing him when he rubbed his eyes and seemed sleepy, so now whatever time of day ,sleepy or not, he rubs his eyes (and sometimes scratches at them) when he wants to nurse.I just keep his nails trimmed and try not to give in unless he is really ready for bed or a nap.